Assessment of Knowledge and Preferences Regarding Advance Directives Among Patients in University Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to draw attention to the subject of “advanced directives,” to create awareness, whether or not they want to investigate to determine the preferences for medical care and applications in the period of end-of-life while individuals can specify their preferences and wishes for medical decisions and take steps for it. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on individuals aged 20 years and older in family medicine outpatient clinics. A questionnaire consisting of 30 questions was applied to 300 people who volunteered to participate in the study by a face-to-face interview. Results: Of all participants, 70% had not heard of advance directives (ADs) before this survey. Three quarters of participants thought that advanced directives were necessary. The rate of requesting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to prolong survival in the case of end-of-life care was 55%; the rate of requesting the continuation of life-sustaining treatment was 24%. Conclusion: Most participants want their own decision to be taken into account in end-of-life care. Family physicians should talk to their patients about ADs via effective communication when people are still healthy.